How does involvement in a religious congregation influence the acceptance of diverse sexual identities, and what are the mental health consequences of affirmation versus suppression?
Sexual identity refers to a person's sense of self in terms of their own gender and sexual orientation. This includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, pansexual, asexual, and many others. Religious congregations can have a profound impact on how people perceive and express themselves sexually. Involvement in a congregation may either reinforce societal norms about heterosexuality or challenge them, which can affect an individual's ability to accept diverse sexual identities.
One way that a religious congregation can influence sexual identity is through its teachings. Many religions promote traditional gender roles and heteronormativity, which means that they assume everyone is cisgender (identifies with the gender assigned at birth) and straight (attracted to people of the opposite gender). These teachings may lead individuals who do not fit this mold to feel ashamed or even abnormal for being different. On the other hand, some congregations embrace diversity and offer support for members who identify as LGBTQIA+. These groups may be more accepting and less likely to stigmatize non-heterosexuals.
Another factor that can play into whether a religious congregation accepts diverse sexual identities is its leadership. If the leaders of a church or temple are openly homophobic or transphobic, it may create a hostile environment for those who identify as anything but cisgender and straight.
If the leaders are inclusive, the congregation is more likely to be welcoming of all sexual identities. This can be especially important for young people who may not yet know their own identity and need guidance from trusted adults.
There are several ways that involvement in a religious congregation can impact mental health when it comes to sexual orientation. Suppression can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Those who are closeted about their sexuality may struggle with internalized homophobia, feeling like there is something wrong with them for desiring someone of the same gender or having certain sexual preferences. Affirmation, on the other hand, can have positive effects on mental health by providing a safe space to explore one's identity and connect with others who share similar experiences.
Religious congregations can influence sexual identity acceptance in many ways. From the teachings to the leadership, these organizations can either reinforce traditional norms or challenge them. The consequences of this vary widely, but suppression has been linked to poorer mental health outcomes while affirmation can help individuals feel supported and accepted.
How does involvement in a religious congregation influence the acceptance of diverse sexual identities, and what are the mental health consequences of affirmation versus suppression?
Research has shown that individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to experience discrimination, marginalization, and isolation than their cisgender heterosexual counterparts (Chancellor et al. , 2019).